A View from Heaven

An interview with Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of blessed memory.

As a reporter here in Heaven, I occasionally have the chance to interview some very special people. I recently had the marvelous opportunity to speak with Rabbi Noah Weinberg and inquire about his unique perspective on the world, his legacy, and the Jewish People. The transcript of that conversation follows:

Heavenly Reporter: Rabbi Weinberg, welcome to your new world. We are fortunate to have you.

Rabbi Noah Weinberg: A great privilege to be here.

HR: I trust everything here is to your satisfaction.

RNW: I actually prefer the word "pleasure." I spent much of my life teaching people about how to attain real pleasure. But only now do I understand how true my words were.

HR: What do you mean?

RNW: Human beings are natural pleasure seekers. They are programmed that way. But a vast majority of them get confused. They end up attaining comfort instead of pleasure. Or they believe that life is all about physical or emotional pleasures, instead of spiritual ones. If only they could see me now. Boy, were they wrong!

HR: What exactly would they see?

RNW: That depends. You see, people pretty much see what they want to see. That's why so many people are depressed or don't fulfill their potential. But real truth seekers would observe me now in a state of complete and infinite bliss, for I now reside in the Grand Palace of the Almighty.

HR: Could you...er...excuse the expression, bring that statement 'down to Earth?'

RNW: It's kind of hard to explain. But I have finally rid myself of this great burden that I carried with me for 78 years – it's called the Guf – the body. It demanded so much attention. I had to feed it, clothe it, soothe it, and satisfy it. What a job that was. Sometimes the Guf becomes so needy that it completely obfuscates the neshama – the soul. That is life's ultimate challenge; remembering that God created us as spiritual beings – souls – that yearn to cleave to the Source. And now that I have re-united with the Source there is no more static, no more interference, no more distractions. Ahh........that's what living in the Palace is all about.

HR: That was beautifully put, Rabbi Weinberg. You seem to have attained 'five finger clarity' about this.

RNW: Hey! I thought that was my expression!

HR: It is. We just liked it so much that we brought it upstairs. We use it all the time here.

RNW: Nice.

HR: You had enormous success in your finite years on Earth – Aish HaTorah, no doubt, your greatest. What were the main ingredients that led to those accomplishments?

RNW: When I was young I made a clear decision that I was ready to die for the sake of the Jewish People. Once I knew that, it was obvious that I was also ready to live for the Jewish People. That is what I call 'purpose.'

I was blessed with parents of similar clarity and self-sacrifice. They sent my sister to Poland, from New York City, when she was just 18, to study with the remarkable Sara Schneirer. They encouraged my brothers and me to immerse ourselves in Torah study. They supported our independence, taught us to speak out for Truth, and constantly reminded us that God loved us even more than they did.

I lived for pleasure, but understood, and informed everyone I met that there were different levels of pleasure. And I reminded them (and myself) that the highest level of pleasure attainable was living with the reality of God's awesome and unlimited power and love. That insight gave me direction, comfort, and success in life.

So many people fear failure without realizing how valuable it can be. I spent some of the greatest years of my life steeped in failure – organizations, universities, projects – you name it, I failed at it. But it never got me down. Disappointed? Sure. But depressed? Never. I was raised to learn from every experience and to apply my knowledge to the next challenge.

I guess Divine assistance is sort of obvious – especially over here. But nobody gets anywhere without the Mighty hand guiding and orchestrating. And the key to getting that help is being real with God. When you relate to Him as an omnipotent Being, who loves you unconditionally, and 'wants' only your ultimate benefit, the odds are He will respond.

Having great teachers is a hallmark of Jewish History. Our entire existence has, in fact, been dependent on the ability of our teachers to transmit the laws, customs, culture, stories, and heritage to each generation. Believe me, I had some really outstanding teachers. But how many people are fortunate enough to have their very own brother become their greatest teacher of all? It sure is special to be together with him again. I missed him more than anyone could imagine.

Our Sages taught us: From all my teachers I grew wise; but from my students even more so. I was blessed with young men and women who 'got it.' They understood the vision. They lived with clarity and self-sacrifice. They took the ball and ran with it. They never stopped asking questions. I prayed for them every day and I loved them like I did my very own children.

And finally, without a wife who shared my dreams, refined my imagination, led by example, and tolerated my impossible schedule, nothing I attempted would have amounted to anything. I owe her a debt that can never be repaid.

HR: Amidst all your successes, you must have left the Earth below with some measure of regret and disappointment. Can you reveal what you wish you had finished?

RNW: How much time do you have?

HR: An eternity, I guess.

RNW: Well, it won't take that long. As long as the job wasn't finished, I was never really satisfied. That was my personality.

Despite the obvious advancement of the Ba'al Teshuva movement, there remains millions of Jews who are assimilated and estranged from their heritage. That is unacceptable.

Jews around the world, especially in Europe, are experiencing mounting anti-Semitism. We cannot be silent.

Sometimes a problem seems so large, we instinctively believe we are helpless. The continuous threat of Radical Islam is our greatest challenge today. The fact that the entire Western World is affected does not exempt the Jewish People from leading the fight against it. We must exert our maximum effort, no matter how daunting the task may appear.

Every Israeli citizen lives in fear and insecurity. We haven't done enough for them.

Disunity and the absence of a true love for Judaism and the Almighty are still rampant. Why can't we really get it right?

An overwhelming majority of the media is inexcusably biased and flagrantly slanted. Everybody knows it, but appears to be either too weak or too apathetic to respond. The damage this breeds is incalculable. How long will we allow it to continue?

An unprecedented amount of Torah is being studied, yet the ignorance of basic Torah concepts, the absence of a true love for Judaism and the Almighty, and world-wide disunity among us, are still rampant. Why can't we really get it right?

I could go on, but that is the short list. There's plenty of work left.

HR: Some people might read this interview and think that these kinds of discussions should remain private. There's no need to publish the concocted imaginings of every would-be writer. What would you say to them?

RNW: These are the same naysayers who throw a wet blanket on every creative idea that they don't think of themselves. They have it all wrong. If this forum can send my message to a new or rejuvenated audience, then it needs to be used. People need to wake up, before it is too late. Just because I am no longer there doesn't mean I cannot be heard. I told everyone I would never stop fighting for the Jewish People. I meant it.

HR: So many people are so sad since you left them. Any final words of consolation?

RNW: The Jewish nation has a storied history of affliction and tribulation. Nary has a single generation ever experienced true peace and security. And every prophet who ever admonished the populace to return to full devotion and service has always reminded them that complete redemption is surely on the way. Our existence has always been miraculous and we will never be forsaken.

Today is no different. No matter how bleak the picture may seem, no matter how forlorn we may, at times, feel, we can never lose hope. We have a promise. It is an eternal one. And it is one that we and our ancestors have witnessed, time and time again, to be true and unyielding. And it will, once again, be proclaimed to all. As I was fond of saying, "You can count on it. It's in the bank."

Don't be afraid to be bold. And don't be afraid to fail.

On a personal note, I want to say thank you. Every word of condolence was beautifully expressed. Every tribute I was given was moving and inspirational. Every prayer and tear shed on my behalf was truly extraordinary. But if you really understood who I was, and if you wanted to demonstrate how strongly you related to my teachings and concepts, you would know that only actions can do the job.

Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to be bold. Don't be afraid to tell the truth. Don't be afraid to think and to execute. And don't be afraid to fail. The only thing to fear is apathy and inaction. Think, study, plan, and implement.

Related Articles:

About the Author

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, C.S.W. is a noted psychotherapist, in private practice in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 25 years. He is a Senior Lecturer and the Creative Director of Aish Hatorah's Discovery Productions. He is also an editor and author for the Artscroll Publishing Series and a member of the Kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.

In these marvelous stories -- brimming with wit, understanding, a touch of irony and a large helping of authentic Torah perspective -- we will walk with a renowned and experienced psychotherapist and popular author through the pathways of contemporary life: its crowded sidewalks, its pedestrian malls, and the occasional dead end street. This is a walk through our lives that will be fun, entertaining -- and eye-opening. In our full -- sometimes overfull -- and complex lives, Yaakov Salomon is a welcome and much-needed voice of sanity and reason.

His speaking, writing and musical talents have delighted audiences from Harvard to Broadway and everything in between. Rabbi Salomon shares his life with his wife, Temmy, and their unpredictable family.

Visitor Comments: 31

(31)
Tzvi,
October 28, 2013 9:35 AM

Super Clarity

Rabbi,

Thanks for giving us a picture of clarity of purpose. It is too easy to get caught up in petty things. May your work, and the legacy of Rav Noach speed up the timetable for the Geulah- and may we all merit to reach that glorious day- together with our families and all of Klal Yisrael- Amen V'Amen!!

(30)
Wassim,
October 27, 2013 10:20 PM

Isn't it wonderful

Isn't it wonderful how the words of someone in another place can make you feel they're closer than you think.

(29)
Oswaldo,
October 27, 2013 4:59 PM

Beautiful!

Thank you very much! Beautiful!

(28)
miriam,
October 27, 2013 3:33 PM

There's no one like Reb Noach! I loved his classes!

I still search on youtube for his classes. I love the way he spoke to everyone as if he's on their level. What a loss for klal yisroel!

(27)
Anonymous,
June 2, 2009 4:47 PM

Re: # 24

Wow, you sort of opened my eyes to the article. When you wrote "heresay" instead of "hearsay", it made me realize that R' Noach isn't here right now, but when we say things from his teachings, R' Noach is still here teaching us. A gentile asked me, "When will you guys let go of the past?" That would be a grave error because its the past that helps us live now...R' Noach isn't physically going to say hello to us, but if we follow his actions & do things properly, R' Noach is alive and enjoying spiritual bliss. Good Luck!

(26)
ata,
May 12, 2009 4:47 AM

wow, that was so beautiful!!!

(25)
Anonymous,
May 3, 2009 3:16 AM

It's not easy to put into words my feelings having just finished reading Dr. Solomon's "interview" with Rav Noach.
The void that is left in my heart and soul has not left and reading this article rekindles how much I miss him. As I read the dialogue, I actually could hear Rav Noach's voice speaking the answers to the questions.
His guf is no longer on this physical earth, but his neshama, his love and his teachings will remain with us forever.
I have mixed feelings about this format, as they say in court--it's merely heresay. Of course we all can assume this conversation could have taken place, but nevertheless, it is still going out on a limb to bring Heaven down to Earth so easily. It's really much more complicated than that.
The message is clear and anyone who ever learned with Rav Noach can accept this "conversation" as it is so much of what he would be telling us over and over again.
Thank you for keeping Rav Noach alive in our hearts and minds. Lest we ever forget the question, "What would YOU be willing to die for?" One day we will all wake up -- hopefully sooner than later.

(24)
Mykey Schoemann,
April 30, 2009 1:50 PM

Brilliant

Reb Yaakov,
I wanted to thank you for the amazing "interview" article that you wrote.
It shows me (and many other I am sure) that you have internalized the
Rosh Yeshiva's teachings to the point that you are able to fully tune
in to what he would be saying if he was given the opportunity.
Big chizuk for me.
Kol tuv,
Mykey Schoemann

(23)
Berry,
April 30, 2009 1:11 PM

Almost unbelievable

Although the writer certainly has a grasp of Rav Noach's style and outlook, due to their close relationship, I found this article unbelievable in its presumptuousness. Even if one imagines what the Rosh Yeshiva may think or have thought or may be thinking, how can anyone presume to speak in his name? I've enjoyed some of this writer's articles and videos, but this one really takes the cake for downright offensive. I will judge him favorably, and assume that he thought it would be interesting to other readers to hear an interview as if talking to Rav Noach in shamayim. But frankly, it's a huge turnoff for me. Come on Aish.com, I expect better from you.

(22)
Zelig Pliskin,
April 29, 2009 6:09 AM

What I think Reb Noach would comment about the article

I personally loved this article. It is a summary of what Reb Noah stood for and lived for and spoke about.
I think Reb Noach would probably think of ways he would have wanted it to be different. But he would say, "If even one person was inspired to help the Jewish people in more ways, I'm extremely happy and grateful that you wrote this."
And I know that many more than just one person was inspired.
I also want to add that today Rabbi Hillel Weinberg, Reb Noah's son and present Rosh Hayeshiva gave a Talmudic lecture to begin the new semester. It was a beautiful Introduction to tractate Brochos and Reb Noah is certainly shepping nachas.

(21)
linda cucher,
April 28, 2009 3:06 PM

Magnificent!

Magnificent says it all....

(20)
Annie,
April 27, 2009 8:31 PM

agh... it still hurts to miss him

I couldn't read this article, I thought about R. Noah, of Blessed Memory today and my eyes still fill up with tears!
hope to be able to read it soon...
here come the tears again...

(19)
Anonymous,
April 27, 2009 12:09 PM

comforting

Like hearing from the Rosh Yeshiva one last time. We miss him so much. Thanks for the visit.

(18)
Anonymous,
April 27, 2009 9:03 AM

KOL HAKOVOD! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRING ARTICLE. PUTS THINGS INTO THE PROPER PERSPECTIVE.

(17)
spiritwalker,
April 27, 2009 6:05 AM

Blessings in G-d Thank You Rabbi Salomon:)

Dear Rabbi Salomon,I loved your beautiful and inspiring message you did for Rabbi Noah Weinberg a blessing indeed I will share with my friends thank you again. G-d Bless you.:)

(16)
raye,
April 27, 2009 12:38 AM

The need for semantic clarification

Although I found this heavenly interview very special and enlightening, I deplore the way most Jewish writers keep "advertising" antisemitism, terrorism and all the negative aspects that make life on earth difficult. I use the word "advertising" advisedly. Are we not falling for our own propaganda? Shoould we not expound more on all the good things that are happening. We need balance in how we verbalize and influence others for good and evil. We need to change our vocabulary so as not to scare those of us who may be volunerable and use drastic measures other than prayer to seek relief.

(15)
Anonymous,
April 26, 2009 11:31 PM

Extraordinary, even for you!

You are my domestic "Kiddush Hashem."

(14)
ANGELA C. MADRAZO,
April 26, 2009 10:54 PM

VERY ENLIGHTENING

I wish to share this wonderful interview to all my friends, for them to see the reality of how it is to be in heaven. VERY NICE and thought provoking scenario to be in heaven... MORE POWER

(13)
Anonymous,
April 26, 2009 8:55 PM

A view from heaven

Dear Rabbi Salomon,
Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring message, on Rabbi Noah Weinberg.
Indeed, all of the article is very moving and a great remembrance in memory of Rabbi Weinberg. The last paragraph meant especially to me as a summary: Pray, think, study and implement. May Rabbi Weinberg and you as role models inspire us to take action with prayer! Shalom! and Blessigns.

(12)
M. Deverett,
April 26, 2009 6:07 PM

Incredible, thank you. Obvious from the tears in my eyes, the least I can say is that I am inspired. May we implement every word.

(11)
michael Kraft,
April 26, 2009 5:12 PM

two good men, one great story

Thank you both for giving me just more needed insight.I live so far away in China,yet it felt as if we were in the same room.Thank you both and thank you God your message was heartfelt.I will try harder to understand who I am and why I am here.

(10)
Anonymous,
April 26, 2009 2:20 PM

Seance in Poor Taste?

Personally, I don't think anyone should try to speculate as to what Rabbi Weinberg might wish to tell us. I think this is in poor taste. I am sure the 'Heavenly Reporter' means well, but I think he stepped over the line, here.
I cannot know how Rabbi Weinberg would react, but I would not be surprised if he would be critical of the 'Heavenly Reporter'. Out of respect for the memory of Rabbi Weinberg, I would suggest that the HR apologize to anyone who took offense.
We are told in Kedoshim to rebuke our neighbor. Perhaps by doing so, we will increase our merit in this world and the world to come...

(9)
Anonymous,
April 26, 2009 12:24 PM

Wonderful

This was SUCH a beautifully written and creatively inspired interview with RNW. Wonderful!

(8)
Shoshana,
April 26, 2009 11:17 AM

Rav Noach Ztzl"

Today,God woke me up rather early. So I decided to pray the morning prayers, I don't want praise and I need encouragement. after I prayed I saw this article.For a too long time I just didn't have the strength to pray and the results showed in all areas of life. Rav Noach Words alone cannot say how I feel about you finishing your journey here with us and moving onward, knowing and now feeling the truth. Is it just me or are we all feeling lost? Can you do us a favor and ask Our heavenly FATHER to show us as we will understand in our own individual ways just what and why are we still here? Personally I know I still have many amends to make between my fellows and that for me I think is the only thing seperating me from God and His people? I really liked this article and posted it to the facebook . and I beleive it truly happens just like this if we are meritorious, and it is Gods will. I don't want to wake up too late. Why didn't couldn't I wake up earlier. because of EGO mine anyway,Please God help us to humble ourselves and to continue to pray. And Rav Noach, if you are contacting relatives say hello for my husband and myself. Thankyou forever.

Thank you so very much. I loved the novel approach. The meaning is so profound on many levels. I have kept this and sent to friends.
With great appreciation!
Felice

(5)
Ellen Miriam Burnstein,
April 26, 2009 9:15 AM

I found this very enlightening. Thank you for your words of wisdom.

(4)
ruth housman,
April 26, 2009 9:07 AM

FIVE FINGER EXERCISE

THE HAND OF GOD: THE YOD.
Yes to everything you wrote. I don't think it was so imaginary but that it was true. Beauty IS truth.
There is a deep story here, meaning the lives of Jews, the depths of all that has happened stops us short, makes us THINK. What is this story all about?
I am saying, and have been, and perhaps one day this still, small voice will be heard, that there is a big mystery here that will resolve in love and that this story is about us all. As stories are for climbing so is this, truly, a journey of soul.
You spoke to this, as spokes are part of the wheel that is life itself and as wheal is something that hurts, and yet brings us to deep places, often too deep to contemplate, and there I am, and then I am, in Jerusalem, at The Wailing Wall.
Don't forget to pray as prays is also for praise, and I am saying there is something deep, within words themselves.
I just watched a play put on at Brandeis by students called The Tower, about Babel and perhaps, in deeper ways than we can possibly know, it's about words themselves.

(3)
Michal,
April 26, 2009 9:07 AM

I very much like that Interview

It was, as if you had brought back Rabbi Noah Weinberg and I had the opportunity to listen to him once again. I knew him also -per Internet - only a few years, and therefore not as much as I wanted to know.
May he be v e r y happy and blessed,
there, where he is now!
Thank you very much for writing this!

(2)
lisa,
April 26, 2009 6:46 AM

Genious!!!

I really had some clarity in the Guf & Neshama portion!!! We are so into our bodies...what size we are....how we get up very early to exercise....(do we get up early to feed our Neshama & daven??) we are so external...but when we go up to the Almighty...it's w/o our cloaks....I really connected with the part when the Rabbi says that the Guf was so needy.....so needy, in fact, that it over shawdowed the Neshama!! How true!!! We are so not our bodies..just like we are so not our bank accounts, albeit many think they are!! Living in Galut it is so hard to navigate when the outside world says things like "we deserve a Lexus" (how do they know??) or we are pretty much nothing if our teeth don't shine like the moon & our bodies are larger than a size 10..oops..I mean a size 8!!! We must learn to rid ourselves of idolizing our Guf!! It's mearly a covering. Rabbi, most of us know this...we need some practical advice on how!!!
Thank you Rabbi....you always make us think..(these days that too is almost a lost art) ...Yasher Koach to you!!!

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

With stories and insights,
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